Novant Health lifting hospital visitor restrictions in place since December 2023

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Temporary visitor restrictions at all Novant Health Hospitals in place since December of 2023 will be lifted Thursday morning.

Restrictions for visitors under 13 years old have been in place since December 19, 2023 and will end at 7:00 a.m.

“In recent weeks, we have seen a consistent decline in the number and severity of respiratory illnesses in our facilities and communities,” said Dr. David Priest, senior vice president, and chief safety and quality officer, Novant Health. “We appreciate the community’s cooperation and support to protect our patients and we are happy to welcome back visitors of all ages into our hospitals.”

Anyone experiencing respiratory virus symptoms should still not visit patients in the hospital.

Symptoms include fever, headaches/body aches/pain, cough, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, chills, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. However, people who are seeking treatment at hospitals are not subject to the restriction.